Abstract: A method is provided of detecting a region of raised material on a document surface. A surface of the document is illuminated with at least one angled radiation beam such that any raised material on the document surface reflects the radiation. The surface containing the raised material is imaged using at least one radiation detector. The image is then processed to detect the existence on the document surface of the raised material. The illuminating step causes a reflection and/or shadow to be generated from at least one edge of the raised material. The processing step detects the location of the material using the said reflection and/or shadow from the at least one edge.

Abstract: A document handling apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an input module for feeding documents one-by-one into the machine, a note handling assembly including a note transport system, secure document analysis assembly, diverter and stacker module. The secure document analysis assembly includes one or more detectors for detecting characteristics of the documents. The diverter directs documents along one of plural transport paths. Documents pass from the diverter into a safe via a through-safe transport and transport safe module to a series of roll storage modules, in which documents can be stored and later dispensed.

Abstract: A document handling apparatus (100) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an input module (500) for feeding documents one-by-one into the machine, a note handling assembly (400) including a note transport system, secure document analysis assembly, diverter and stacker module. The secure document analysis assembly includes one or more detectors for detecting characteristics of the documents. The diverter (800) directs documents along one of plural transport paths. Documents pass from the diverter into a safe via a through-safe transport and transport safe module to a series of roll storage modules, in which documents can be stored and later dispensed.

Abstract: A method is provided of detecting a region of raised material on a document surface. A surface of the document is illuminated with at least one angled radiation beam such that any raised material on the document surface reflects the radiation. The surface containing the raised material is imaged using at least one radiation detector. The image is then processed to detect the existence on the document surface of the raised material. The illuminating step causes a reflection and/or shadow to be generated from at least one edge of the raised material. The processing step detects the location of the material using the said reflection and/or shadow from the at least one edge.

Abstract: A prepared catheter for intraluminal treatment of a vessel section with ionizing radiation, which catheter has an elongate shaft with a proximal end and distal end as percutaneous transluminal access to the vessel section, an inflatable balloon at the distal end of the shaft, and inflation lumen which runs through the shaft and opens into the balloon, and a source of ionizing radiation which can be positioned in the balloon, and which catheter is filled with a gas for applying pressure to the balloon. In this way, only a comparatively small proportion of the ionizing radiation is absorbed and rendered ineffective as it passes through the gas, and the intended dose of radiation can be administered within a short treatment time. The inflation lumen preferably has, along the greater part of the length lying within the patient's body during treatment, a cross-sectional area having a value in mm2 not greater than the balloon in mm3 divided by 1200.